Chapter 2 Why Are You Wearing Mr. Stefan's Clothes

Griffin, the man in the white suit, pushed Stefan's wheelchair out of the county clerk's office, with Kai and Dorothy walking alongside them. People passing by shot them disapproving glances, especially at Stefan, who ignored their stares.

"Kai, Mr. Stefan wants you to take his wife home," Griffin announced, halting the wheelchair abruptly.

Dorothy blinked, confused. "What about him, isn't he coming with me?" she asked before she could stop herself.

"Mr. Stefan still has unfinished business," Kai replied warmly. "Don't worry, young mistress. If you need anything, the maids will assist you."

Dorothy had no choice but to comply. She watched as Griffin carefully lifted Stefan into the car, supporting him with an arm around his chest. A wave of pity washed over her. He was a successful businessman but trapped in a body without legs or a voice. His life must feel like a living hell, she thought.

"Young mistress, let's go," Kai's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She realized she had been staring at Stefan as he struggled to settle into the car. She nodded and followed Kai to the Toyota Yaris that had brought them there.

The drive to Stefan's residence seemed to stretch on forever. Dorothy spent the time lost in thought, reflecting on how much her life had changed. She was on the verge of falling asleep when Kai's voice interrupted her.

"We've arrived, young mistress."

Dorothy stepped out of the car, and the sight before her was breathtaking. The mansion was enormous, complete with a swimming pool and beautifully manicured gardens.

"This way, please," Kai said, leading her inside.

The interior was equally impressive. The floor gleamed so brightly that Dorothy could see her reflection in it. Several maids were bustling around, cleaning and dusting what already appeared spotless.

"Emily," Kai called, and a young maid, who looked to be about Dorothy's age, stepped into view. "Good morning, Master Kai. How can I help you?" she asked, glancing curiously at Dorothy.

"This is Mr. Stefan's wife," Kai announced, and Emily's eyes widened. She dropped to her knees immediately.

"Welcome home, young mistress," she greeted, her tone filled with respect. Dorothy was taken aback by the gesture.

"I want you to show her to her room and make sure she's comfortable," Kai instructed firmly. Emily nodded.

Kai's expression softened as he turned back to Dorothy. "Have you eaten?" he asked gently.

Dorothy nodded, lying. In truth, she hadn't eaten since the afternoon before. As if on cue, her stomach growled, betraying her. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Young mistress, there's no need to be shy. This is your home now," Kai said with a faint smile. He turned to Emily, his tone sharp again. "Make sure she eats to her satisfaction."

Dorothy couldn't help but wonder how he managed to switch from playful to serious so effortlessly. Emily nodded once more.

Kai reached into his pocket and handed Dorothy a smartphone in its packaging. "Mr. Stefan asked me to give this to you. If you need to speak with him, you can call Griffin. My number is also saved in case you encounter any trouble."

Dorothy accepted the phone carefully. She had never owned a smartphone before, relying instead on a basic button phone when Agnes sent her on errands, she looked at the phone with gratitude.

"I'll be leaving now," Kai said, turning to go.

"Goodbye, Master Kai," the maids chorused as he walked out.

"Come with me," Emily said. "I'll show you to your room. You should freshen up and change out of those clothes," she added, glancing at Dorothy with barely concealed disdain.

Dorothy followed Emily upstairs. The room she was shown was spacious, with a large bed, a wardrobe filled with women's clothes, and a vanity table stocked with makeup and perfume.

"Please freshen up. We'll see you downstairs," Emily said curtly before slamming the door behind her.

Dorothy sighed, brushing off the rudeness. She was used to such treatment. Despite everything, she was thrilled with the room. She peeked into the adjoining bathroom and was delighted to find a shower and a hot tub.

She quickly undressed and sank into the hot tub, closing her eyes to savor the sensation. At her former home with Agnes and Clarissa, she had been forced to bathe with a bucket of cold water, even in freezing weather. Now, she relished the warmth soothing her skin.

As she soaked, thoughts of her past and her dreams of becoming a doctor surfaced. Her family had never supported her aspirations, and now those dreams felt irretrievably lost.

Her mind wandered to Stefan-his piercing blue eyes, no matter how rugged he appeared, deep down she could see the sadness and his struggle for freedom. The feeling of hopelessness as Griffin tried to help him to his car-she felt it too. It must be tiring depending on someone all your life.

Dorothy gasped and shook her head.

"We just got married a few hours ago," she muttered to herself. "I can't feel some sort of connection with him already, can I?" She decided it was simply her empathetic nature at work.

After a while, Dorothy stepped out of the tub, dried herself off, and opened the wardrobe to find something to wear. Most of the clothes were fitted dresses, which she found uncomfortable. She opened a second wardrobe and brightened at the sight of oversized T-shirts and loose trousers.

She chose a white long-sleeve shirt and black joggers. The clothes were far too big-possibly mismatched to her size-but they were comfortable. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The oversized shirt extended past her wrists, making her look plain, but she smelled fresh and was satisfied.

Feeling hungry, she decided to head downstairs.

"Young mistress, I thought you'd spend forever in the bathroom," Emily remarked as she approached. Her gaze swept over Dorothy's outfit.

"What are you wearing?" Emily asked, her tone dripping with disapproval.

Dorothy glanced down at herself, confused by Emily's reaction. Before she could respond, the atmosphere in the room shifted.

"Welcome back, young master," the maids chorused. Dorothy turned to see Griffin entering with Stefan in his wheelchair.

Griffin looked surprised to see her, but Stefan's gaze darkened noticeably as he took her in with his deep blue eyes. Dorothy stood frozen, unsure of what was happening.

"Why are you wearing Mr. Stefan's clothes?" Griffin finally asked, breaking the silence.